Table of Contents
Major Planetary Zones | (Twin) Sections of the Habitual Belt | Regions | Geographic Features
TIJONARA MOUNTAINS
- Type: Mountain Range
- Location: On the border between Habitual Belt, Eastern Equatorial Section and Desert Side, Asari Region
Overview
The Tijonara Mountains are a prominent natural feature on VOI 700 D, stretching approximately 200 kilometers along the western border of the Asari Region. Acting as a natural barrier between the arid Desert Side to the west and the tropical Equatorial Section of the Habitual Belt to the east, the Tijonara Mountains are crucial for maintaining the distinct climates and ecosystems of these neighboring regions.
Mount Tijonara, the range's tallest peak, rises to an impressive height of 6,100 meters, making it the highest mountain in both the Eastern and Western Equatorial Sections of the Habitual Belt.
Local Climatic Conditions, Geography and Landscape
The Tijonara Mountains exhibit stark contrasts in climate and terrain:
- Desert Side Border: The western slopes are arid, receiving minimal rainfall and dominated by rocky cliffs and sparse, drought-resistant vegetation. Harsh winds from the Desert Side shape the rugged landscape, leaving deep canyons and sharp ridges.
- Habitual Belt Border: The eastern slopes, influenced by the tropical Asari Region, are lush and vibrant, covered with dense forests and fed by rivers (e.g. Tijonara River) originating in the mountains. These slopes feature fertile valleys and flowing streams, supporting diverse flora and fauna.
- High Altitudes: Snow-capped peaks, including Mount Tijonara, rise above the lower forested regions, creating a frigid, barren zone at the highest elevations.
Weather Patterns:
- Arid winds and heat on the Desert Side
- Tropical rainfall and humidity on the Habitual Belt side
- Snowfall and icy storms at the highest elevations
Local Flora
All known Exohuman data on the flora of the Tijonara Mountains was collected during the limited exploration window between March 24, 2625 and the beginning of the Great War on June 17, 2629. Since further exploration has been prohibited due to the restrictions of the Peace Treaty between the Exohumans and the Alliance of Native Tribes, it is highly probable that not all plant species within the Tijonara Mountains ecosystem are known to Exohumans.
- Lumina Ferns: These bioluminescent ferns thrive in the shaded undergrowth of the Habitual Belt forests.
- Shieldbark Shrubs: Hardy shrubs with thick bark and nutrient-rich berries used by wildlife and the Senti Tribe.
- Starbloom Trees: Towering trees with year-round blooming star-shaped flowers, crucial for pollination and habitat.
Local Fauna
Similar to the flora, all known Exohuman data on the fauna of the Tijonara Mountains was collected during the brief exploration window between the landing on March 24, 2625 and the beginning of the Great War on June 17, 2629. Since the signing of the Peace Treaty, further explorations are forbidden, making it likely that many native species remain undocumented.
Birds
- Borr: High-speed vulture-like birds that hunt in swarms or scavenge across the arid cliffs (Desert Side).
- Flutterwings: Shimmering, pigeon-like birds that flit through the forest canopy (Habitual Belt).
Mammals
- Odo: Bison-like herbivores with electrical defense mechanisms (Habitual Belt).
- Kivara – Small, herd-dwelling mammal, relying on burrowing behaviors and heat-reflective fur to regulate their body temperature (Desert Side).
- Krynok: Tree-dwelling primates known for social behavior and basic tool use (Habitual Belt).
- Nokari Mouse – Small, fur-insulated rodent.
- Virrana: Camouflaged feline predators that ambush prey from above (Habitual Belt).
Invertebrates and Arthropods
- Aknza: Small scorpion-like predators with venomous stingers and group hunting behavior (Desert Side).
Insects and Arachnids
- Bero Hiki – Small omnivorous worm with tough, rubber-like skin. Has a mouth at both ends (Habitual Belt).
- Cockroach (Earth) – Introduced by Exohumans aboard the Last Frontier (Desert Side and Habitual Belt).
- Iri-Tenu – Small beetle with a color-changing exoskeleton for camouflage. Uses chemical signals to detect threats (Habitual Belt).
- Lumivai Sari – Mimic beetle that imitates the Iri-Tenu to get close before attacking. Hunts using pheromone deception (Habitual Belt).
Local Population and Settlement History
Nestled in a protected valley within the Tijonara Mountains, the Senti are a sedentary population of approximately 50,000 individuals (down from 60,000 before the Great War). This community thrives through a combination of hunting and farming, relying on the rich resources of the Habitual Belt side of the mountains.
The Senti value the natural protection offered by the Tijonara Mountains, which shield their valley from the harsh Desert Side conditions. Their unique culture, blending traditional practices with adaptive strategies, has allowed them to flourish in this environment.
Unlike in the Atrana Mountains, Exohumans never founded a permanent settlement in the Tijonara Mountains. During the early Beta Age, they established a temporary research outpost named “Tijonara Field Station” to study the local flora, fauna, and mineral deposits. However, following the Peace Treaty, the outpost was abandoned, and Exohumans were denied residence permits for the region. The area is now under exclusive jurisdiction of the Alliance of Native Tribes, and any Exohuman presence is strictly forbidden.
Tactical Advice for Dungeon Masters
The Tijonara Mountains provide a rich backdrop for adventures in both the Beta and Gamma Ages, offering opportunities for exploration, conflict, and cultural engagement. The contrasting Desert Side and Habitual Belt environments, coupled with Senti traditions and Exohuman restrictions, make the region ideal for stories of diplomacy, survival, and discovery.
Adventure Hooks – Beta Age:
- Echoes Beneath the Peaks – A team of Exohuman researchers stationed at Tijon Field Station uncovers advanced alien technology buried beneath a glacier. When the Senti declare the site sacred and demand its abandonment, the players must choose between scientific discovery and cultural respect — or find a way to bridge the gap.
Adventure Hooks – Gamma Age:
- Strange Lights – Rumors emerge of strange lights in the mountains. A secretive Exohuman faction - send by the Federal Sheriff – attempts to return to the long-abandoned Tijonara Field Station, to uncover the truth behind the lights …
Related Pages and Further Information
The Mountain Ranges of Asari:
